“Dirty bomb” squad practicing in Capital Region

Between now and Friday, Capital Region residents might spot a low-flying helicopter and people in white “space suits.” There is nothing to fear, though the subject they are tackling is as serious as can be.

Helicopter authorities will use to search for traces of radiation

Hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement officials are running through potential responses to a “dirty bomb” attack in Albany. Authorities are staffing a command posts on Albany Shaker Road as they examine how well prepared they are to deal with the theoretical detonation of two improvised radiological devices in Albany.

The exercise, hosted by the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. It comes only weeks after the FBI arrested four alleged conspirators in a plot to blow up two synagogues in the Bronx and shoot down military planes at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh.